Dental Implants – Greenville, TX
A Revolutionary Tooth Replacement
Dental implants have changed the way dentists look at replacing teeth. Before, all they could do was fill in the empty space above the gums. Now they have a way to replace the roots that used to rest in the jawbone as well. This is a complete game-changer that allows us to create new smiles that are just as beautiful and functional as the real thing. Dr. Garrad and the rest of our experienced team can smoothly handle the entire dental implant process here at Stone Street Dental. Call today to schedule an implant consultation and learn more about state-of-the-art solution dental implants in Greenville to replace missing teeth
Why Choose Stone Street Dental
for Dental Implants?
- Dental Implant Placement and Restoration All In-House
- Team with Over 15 Years of Experience
- Cheerful and Comfortable Dental Environment
What Are Dental Implants?
Made out of titanium (or zirconia in certain cases), dental implants are made to be placed in the jawbone. Osseointegration allows the jawbone to grow around the implant post and essentially fuse with it, anchoring it permanently in place so that it can serve as the foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. You can get one implant to replace a single tooth, but it’s also possible to use multiple implants to replace the entire arch if need be.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Unlike dentures and dental bridges, getting dental implants requires a multi-step process that will take several months. This may seem like a long time, but when you consider all the long-term benefits, you will understand why they’re worth it. While every treatment is unique, here are the four main steps that you can expect during the process of restoring your smile with dental implants.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
The first step when it comes to restoring your smile is to schedule a consultation with us. At this time, we will take a look at your smile and surrounding facial structures. This will help us to determine whether dental implants are a good option for you and where and how they should be placed in the mouth. Some patients need to have preliminary procedures completed before getting dental implants, like bone grafting, gum disease treatment, and tooth extractions. After this, we can move forward to planning the rest of your treatment. During your consultation, we are also happy to walk you through the process so you know exactly what you can expect – including the timeline and cost.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant placement surgery is relatively straightforward. After we numb your mouth with a local anesthetic, a small incision is made into the gum tissue to access your jawbone. The implants will then be placed at precise locations and angles. Lastly, your gums will be closed, and protective caps will be placed over the dental implant posts to keep them safe during the healing process.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment Placement
Over the next 3 to 6 months, the fusion process will take place between the implant and jawbone. This process is called “osseointegration.: This allows for your implant to have a sturdy foundation so that your replacement teeth will stay firmly in place. Once this process has been completed, we can place a metal abutment on the end of your implant.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
A few weeks after your abutment has been placed, your restoration should be ready. You can return to our office where you will receive your new crown, bridge, or dentures (depending on the number of teeth that you are replacing). At this point, e will make sure that your bite is comfortable, and you will be sent on your way to enjoy the benefits of your new and improved smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are versatile enough to replace any number of teeth. They are very easy to maintain, as you can brush and floss them as if they were normal teeth. Also, they keep your restorations anchored in place, and they offer enough biting strength to handle virtually any food. Since they’ve joined with the jaw, they can stimulate the surrounding bone so that it doesn’t break down. And finally, while traditional bridges and dentures have to be replaced every so often, dental implants are known to last 30 years or more and can often remain in the mouth for the rest of a patient’s life.
Who Dental Implants Can Help
You may be qualified for dental implant treatment if you have one or more missing teeth, have a jawbone that can successfully fuse with an implant, do not currently have gum disease, and have no medical conditions that would stop you from undergoing surgery. We can discuss your eligibility for implants (as well as potential ways to overcome any existing obstacles) at your consultation. The following situations can all be resolved with a carefully chosen number of implant posts.
Missing Single Tooth
Replacing a single tooth is the simplest implant procedure. All you need is one post and a crown. Because implants are so comfortable once they’ve joined with the jawbone and our crowns are made out of lifelike materials, you may find yourself occasionally forgetting which tooth is the one you had replaced.
Missing Multiple Teeth
When there are multiple teeth missing, we’ll need to give some thought as to the best way to replace them all with implants. For example, if three or more consecutive teeth have been lost, we can place two dental implants and use them to support a fully customized dental bridge.
Missing All Teeth
Did you realize that dentures could be attached to dental implants? This keeps them secured in place at all times, so you can say goodbye to untimely slips that cause you to slur your words. Also, putting dentures on implants makes it easier to eat tough-to-chew foods, and that’s good news when it comes to planning a healthy diet.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Do you need a single dental implant and crown, or are you planning to replace multiple teeth? Are you eligible for implant surgery right now, or are you going to need some preliminary treatments first? These are just a couple of the factors that go into the final cost of dental implants. No matter what you end up paying, remember that your implants will provide many life-changing benefits that you wouldn’t get from other options.
Dental Implant FAQs
Dental implants are an ideal option for replacing missing teeth thanks to their numerous benefits. However, they are quite an investment, so it pays to be well-informed. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about dental implants in Greenville. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, just give us a call . Our friendly team would be happy to answer any questions you have and get you started with an initial consultation.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The lifespan of dental implants typically depends on the health and lifestyle choices of the patients. To ensure that your implants last, it’s important that you brush, floss, and rinse with a mouthwash on a daily basis. See your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups, and avoid chewing on anything particularly hard or sticky. With proper maintenance, implants can last upwards of 30 years. This is several times longer than the average traditional bridges and dentures.
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
The jawbone doesn’t have very many nerve endings and your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic before the procedure begins. You will also most likely be sedated, lowering your body’s ability to register pain. While the surgery shouldn’t hurt, your mouth may be sore for a few days following the procedure. To manage this, take recommended over-the-counter and prescribed pain relievers as directed. Cold compresses can also help to reduce discomfort. If discomfort worsens instead of improving after two to three days, give us a call.
Will I Have to Take Off Work for Dental Implant Surgery?
Most patients only need to take one or two days off work to get dental implants. If your job is physically demanding, you may want to take at least three to four days off, as heavy exercise can divert blood from the implant site and delay healing. However, every case is different. During your initial consultation, we’ll be able to give you a more specific recommendation to meet your unique needs.
Can I Get Dental Implants If I’m Diabetic?
If your diabetes is under control, your odds of dental implant success are generally comparable to those of nondiabetic patients. Uncontrolled diabetes can slow down the healing process, making it harder for your implants to integrate with your jawbone. If you are interested in getting dental implants but have diabetes, talk to your endocrinologist or primary care physician about getting your blood sugar levels under control beforehand.
